Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review: All-round full-frame camera made for the pros; This one’s worth it

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV may not be the most-advanced camera available, but it definitely excels in being an all-rounder. Canon has targeted hardcore photography professionals and enthusiasts, and the wait for this one was worth it.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is surely a winner as it offers some superfast performance, high resolution, incredible ISO results and amazing colour depth. Add to that 4K video capabilities and dual pixel AF for Live View. The latter is definitely at par, if not better, than the best on-chip autofocus offered by mirror-less cameras. While Canon fans will surely be looking to upgrade from their 5D Mark III cameras to full-frame for the first time, filmmakers may not be that excited about the EOS 5D Mark IV.

This is because on the downside, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has severely cropped 4K video, no tilt screen and its HDMI-out is limited only to 1080p. Critics have praised the camera though for its improved 61-point AF system, 7fps continuous shooting, superior high ISO capability, very high-quality 30.4MP stills and the already-mentioned Dual Pixel AF, which is a game-changer of sorts for video. On buying, users will receive the camera body, plug-in charger and battery. Digital Trends put the camera to test and the battery performed decently.

The 900-shot capacity of the battery took the reviewers through long periods of shooting stills and videos. However, the battery is not as good as Nikon D810’s 1,200-shot battery. Users also receive a 700-page manual, a disc with all software essentials, including Map Utility that works with the built-in GPS. This is a very useful feature for pros, who are constantly travelling and need to manage their content. A second disc has the software instruction manual. There is a one-year warranty against workmanship and material defects.

Canon provides extended warranty and a phone support system for general troubleshooting. Those who are confused as to how long the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV will last, the company is known for staying with its high-priced DSLRs for a long time. It took Canon four years to come up with Mark IV after Mark III. The camera is well-protected against dust and splashes. Hence, longevity won’t be a problem. It is hard to beat Mark IV’s combo of excellent image quality and super-fast performance. However, for video production, there are better options in the market.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV does not have all the new bells and whistles, but it’s a strong, sturdy, all-round full-frame camera, worth a buy. While there are other alternatives, such as, Nikon D810, Sony’s A7R Mark II and A99 Mark II, the EOS 5D Mark IV is no way behind. It is available, but currently out-of-stock, on Canon Australia Store for $4,999.